Review: Atelier Ryza shows the series is growing up

By Jenni Lada // 10.25.1912.23.19

Most of Gust’s Atelier games feel alike. A young woman decides she wants to become an alchemist and goes about honing her skills, proving herself and solving some major problem along the way. Every entry seems to have a priority, be it the exploration elements, item creation, relationships or story, but none of the installments released since Atelier Rorona feel like a step forward. Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout is a great big jump in almost every way.

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Which Atelier trilogy should you play?

By Jenni Lada // 6.17.196.16.19

There are a lot of Atelier games out there, and Gust keeps adding to the lineup with new installments in the main series and spin-offs to keep track of. It is a lot to deal with. Also, the major installments tend to come out in trilogies, which share storylines and sometimes gameplay mechanics. One line might not be as interesting for specific players, but another could be a perfect fit. So, instead of just going with recommendations of best or worst installments, let’s see if Michibiku can’t help you find certain trilogies that might fit your needs.

PS3 Vita

Atelier Shallie shows the importance of managing personal priorities

By Jenni Lada // 1.25.171.22.17

Atelier Shallie Plus: Alchemists of the Dusk Sea is a game that requires players to be grown ups. You need to manage your own life and schedule. Unlike previous games, where it’s easy to go through the game by completing primary mission after mission, this installment introduces a new system. Here, personal accountability comes into play.

Review Vita

Review: Atelier Shallie Plus relies on a solid formula

By Jenni Lada // 1.18.173.1.17

Atelier Shallie: Alchemists of the Dusk Sea is one of the best entries in Gust’s Atelier series. It introduced so many quality of life improvements and anti-frustration features. When the ultimate edition comes to the Vita, of course it’s going to be a welcome addition to the handheld’s library.

PS3 Vita

Get intimate with Atelier

By Jenni Lada // 9.10.159.10.15

JRPGs become more predictable as they age. The mechanics are still sound, the stories still good, and the general concept still appreciated in a world where open-world everything is becoming the norm. Think of it as perpetual familiarity. We now what’s going to happen. We see it in front of our faces. Gust’s Atelier chronicles can fall within the bounds of predictable, but the series’ focus on individuals sets it apart.